Overview
Our fast track planning service offers a streamlined route for eligible development proposals, enabling quicker decision-making and reduced processing times. Designed for projects that meet specific criteria. So, if you have a builder booked, or need a quicker decision for other reasons the fast track planning service may suit your needs better than the conventional route.
Key benefits
- Speeds up your application process with priority handling
- Receive a decision in a shorter timeframe
- Save time and reduce uncertainty
Eligibility criteria
Projects may qualify for the fast track planning service if they meet one or more of the following:
- Certificate of lawfulness (proposed) for householder developments (for example, single storey rear extension, single storey side extension, roof extensions, outbuildings) that meet permitted development requirements
- Prior approval larger home extensions (single storey rear extensions)
- Householder planning applications that align with the local plan and character, sustainability and design codes SPD.
- Demonstrate readiness for submission with complete documentation.
How it works
- Pre-submission discussion: initial consultation to confirm eligibility and scope.
- Submission: complete application with all required documents via the planning portal.
- Validation: priority validation and allocation to a dedicated officer.
- Assessment: accelerated review with early feedback and issue resolution.
- Decision: targeted determination within an agreed timeframe.
Service option
| Service level | Description | Target decision time | Fee (guide) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Regular processing under statutory timescales | 8 to 13 weeks | Included in standard fees |
| Fast track lawful development certificate application | Confirmation of validity (or not) of application within 2 working days of receipt. Priority handling with dedicated officer | 2 to 3 weeks | Additional £600 service fee applies |
| Fast track prior approval larger home extension application | Confirmation of validity (or not) of application within 2 working days of receipt. Priority handling with dedicated officer | Within 1 week of consultations period ending | Additional £600 service fee applies |
| Householder application | Confirmation of validity (or not) of application within 2 working days of receipt. Priority handling with dedicated officer | Within 1 week of consultation period ending | Additional £600 service fee applies |
What’s included
- Dedicated planning officer and case management.
- Priority decision on validation and consultation.
- Clear communication and progress tracking.
How to apply
- Review eligibility criteria and prepare supporting documents.
- Submit a fast track planning service request form so we can assess suitability of your proposal.
- Receive confirmation of acceptance and service agreement within 3 working days of your request.
- Submit application through the planning portal adding your fast track eligibility reference number to your description when submitting. For example “(GS123456789) Erection of a single storey rear extension” or “(GS123456789) Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed erection of a rear roof dormer extension”, or “(GS123456789) Prior approval for single storey rear extension”. Your submission must include time stamped site visit photos clearly showing the front, side and rear of the subject property, the rear garden, adjoining neighbours to the sides and rear.
- Once we receive your application through the planning portal with the standard planning fee we will request the additional service fee for the fast track service, please ensure this is paid promptly within 2 working days and inform us of payment. If we do not receive the additional service fee we will process your application as normal.
Check eligibility for the fast track planning service
Terms and conditions
Right to issue refusal decision
Applications will be determined in accordance with relevant law, planning policies and planning guidance (whether or not they transpire after initial acceptance of your proposal for the fast-track service).
Refunds will not be made because an application is refused.
We cannot predetermine the outcome of applications following the fast-track service. The fast-track service is not an automatic approval service.
Right to refuse request for fast-track service
We may refuse to accept an application for the fast-track service if we consider that it does not meet the eligibility criteria. In such cases the application will be processed in the normal way.
It is therefore important that you submit the fast-track planning service request form to us prior to submission of the application; and only submit the application following your receipt of our written confirmation the application will meet the eligibility criteria should you proceed to apply for permission.
Your planning application will need to be made through the planning portal using (reference number) in the description.
We do not accept responsibility for any delays caused by incorrect submissions which do not meet the fast-track service requirements (e.g. where the correct fee has not been paid).
If objection is received to your application
We strongly recommend that you discuss your proposal with any of your neighbours who may be impacted or potentially object to your application, prior to submission of your fast-track application. This will help resolve any planning objections and expedite the determination of your application.
We require that where the application is recommended for approval by planning officers, but an objection has been received, the application is entered onto the next weekly pending decisions list. This process may delay the determination of the application. The full fee will still be applicable, and no refund will be issued.
Contact information
Development management - fast track planning application team
Email: planning@hounslow.gov.uk
Phone: 020 8583 2000
Website: www.hounslow.gov.uk/planning-building
